About Dr. Tracy A. Corley

Since 1994, I have been helping businesses, governments, and non-governmental organizations develop creative and forward-thinking approaches to change and growth. I have served as a business leader and policy entrepreneur in Seattle, Washington, and Greenville, South Carolina, focused on the issues of sustainability, economic development, small business development, and urban/regional policy. I currently offer strategy, planning, research, and evaluation services for businesses, governments, and nonprofits.

I am committed to helping individuals and organizations set a vision for what is possible and facilitate achieving it. Regardless of their interests and challenges, I help my clients see the big picture and understand the details so that they make that picture of the future real. Your vision and success are my inspiration.

My diverse background helps me understand the multiple criteria that community, civic, and business leaders must face when dealing with complex issues. From designing award-winning buildings as an architect; to advising municipal, state, and national leaders on policy and strategy; to nearly two decades of delivering strategy, planning, research, and communications through consulting and public speaking, I've learned and experienced lots about the need for verifiable data and executable plans in business and government. Even while running a research company or pursuing a Ph.D. in Law and Public Policy, I'm always building my skills, capabilities, and network so that my clients get the interdisciplinary expertise they need. With me, you don't just get a hammer: you get access to an entire toolbox to tackle any product, policy, or program challenge.

Visit my LinkedIn page to learn more about my experience, publications, and affiliations.

Current Endeavors

• Conservation Law Foundation Director of Research and Partnerships since 2021

• Northeastern University Lecturer since 2020

• LISC Boston Advisory Board Member since 2020

• Northeastern University School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs Advisory Committee Member since 2020

• Grist Fix Solutions Lab Fixer since 2019

• TransitMatters Board Member since 2019

• (Co)Action Lab Editor-In-Chief since 2018

Selected Professional Experience

• MassINC Transit-Oriented Development Fellow, 2018 to 2021

• Changing Societies Franco-German Research Program Contributor, 2016 to Present

• Institute for Labor, Skills, and Training (Institut Arbeit und Qualifikation/IAQ) Guest Doctoral Researcher, 2016 to 2017

• Berlin Social Science Center (Wissenschaftszentrum Berlin/WZB) Guest Doctoral Researcher, 2016 to 2017

• Max Planck Institute for the Study of Societies (Max Planck Institut für Gesellschaftsforschung/MPIfG) Guest Doctoral Researcher, 2016

• Leading Cities Research Associate, 2014 to 2015

• Dukakis Center for Urban and Regional Policy Graduate Research Associate, 2013 to 2014

• Seattle Jobs Initiative Planning and Strategic Adviser, 2013 to 2013

• Office of Governor Christine Gregoire Small Business Development Adviser, 2007 to 2012

• Economic Development Council of Seattle and King County (formerly enterpriseSeattle) Pitch Clinic Program Development and International Study Mission Delegate, 2008 to 2012

• Metropolitan Seattle Chamber of Commerce Vice Chair of Small Business, Board of Trustees, 2007 to 2011

Teaching Experience & Selected Guest Lectures & Presentations

• Northeastern University Lecturer, 2020 to present; Teaching Assistant, 2014 to 2017

• Harvard University Guest Presentation, 2015

• Bellevue College Adjunct Faculty, 2010 to May 2011

• University of Washington Guest Lecturer and Workshop Facilitator, Business and Economic Development Center, Michael G. Foster School of Business, 2004 to 2009

• Seattle University, Guest Lecturer, MBA program, 2004 to 2008

• Washington State University Portfolio Judge, Edward R. Murrow College of Communication, 2007 to 2009

• North Seattle Community College Adjunct Faculty, 1999 to 2002

• Greenville Technical College Adjunct Faculty, 1997

Selected Accomplishments

• Recipient of the 2021 Gateway Cities Champion Award, MassINC

• Recipient of 2016-2017 German Academic Exchange Service (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst/DAAD) 10-Month Research Grant

• Recipient of the 2013 Diversity Fellowship, Northeastern University

• Recipient of the 2007 Jeri McDonald Community Service Award

• Recipient of the 2006 Banking Industry Top Supplier Award

• Ranked as a Puget Sound Business Journal's Fastest-Growing Minority-Owned Business, 2005

• Winner of AIA First Place Award for a 1995 design-build project